Official Rules of the Lake Merritt Dog Contest 2026

Organizer’s Statement

The Lake Merritt Dog Contest is orchestrated solely for the joy of participation and the appreciation of dogs in their diverse forms. The organizer holds a genuine passion for dogs and aims to cultivate a fun and inclusive environment for all participants. These rules aim to create a platform where diverse interpretations of the canine spirit can be celebrated, fostering a sense of enjoyment and community among all dog enthusiasts.

Eligibility

The contest is open to all individuals, regardless of age or location.
Entries must feature a pet or animal that the participant considers a “dog,” regardless of traditional breed or species definitions.
By submitting an entry, you confirm that you have the right to share the photo and that the animal pictured is your dog or a dog you have permission to enter.

Submission Guidelines

All entries must be submitted through the official contest form between May 1 and May 15, 2026.
The submission deadline is 9:00 PM Pacific Time on May 15, 2026.
The term “dog” is open to interpretation, and entries may feature a wide range of animals or pets that embody the spirit or characteristics typically associated with dogs.
Submissions should be appropriate for a public, community-centered contest. The organizer reserves the right to reject, remove, edit for display, or request changes to any dog name, bio, photo, or caption that the organizer determines is inappropriate or otherwise does not fit the spirit of the contest.

Contest Timeline

Contest Dates: May 1 to May 31, 2026
Call for Entries: May 1 to May 15, 2026
Voting: May 17 to May 29, 2026
Winners Announced: May 31, 2026

Geographic Relevance

Submissions do not need to originate from Lake Merritt or any specific location. The contest is open to participants everywhere.

Prize Information

No cash or monetary prizes will be awarded.
The top 3 dogs will receive trophies and stickers commemorating the contest. These awards will either be shipped or made available through coordinated pickup near Lake Merritt.
Runners-up will receive a digital award file, which will be made available on the website.
Runners-up may also have the option to purchase a commemorative trophy for $5 to help cover shipping costs. Availability may be limited.

Judging Process

Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, originality, and embodiment of dog-like qualities, without being limited by traditional species or breed definitions.
All entries will undergo a preliminary review. Eligible entries will move on to the community voting round, which will be open globally from May 17 to May 29, 2026.
Final winners will be determined by an anonymous panel based on the preliminary review, community voting, and any additional criteria established by the organizer.

Privacy Policy

Information shared through the contest form will only be used for purposes related to the Lake Merritt Dog Contest and will not be sold to third parties. Participants will only be contacted regarding the contest.

Rights and Permissions

Participants retain ownership of their submitted entries. However, by entering the contest, participants grant the organizer a non-exclusive right to feature, display, and share submitted materials for promotional purposes related to the Lake Merritt Dog Contest.
The organizer also reserves the right to use submitted images or representations of dogs in future websites, logos, promotional materials, or future versions of the contest.

Acknowledgment

By participating, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these official rules and to any decisions made by the organizer or judging panel.
The organizer reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the contest at their discretion in a manner that maintains fairness and honors the spirit of the event.